The United States announced Sunday that an American citizen detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban since December 2024 has been released following months of delicate negotiations.
The freed American, 36-year-old Amir Amiry, is now on his way back to the United States, according to both the State Department and a diplomatic source familiar with the matter. His release was secured after extensive mediation led jointly by the United States and Qatar.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude to Qatar, emphasizing that the Gulf nation’s “strong partnership and tireless diplomatic efforts were vital” in securing Amiry’s release. He also underscored the administration’s broader commitment, noting: “President Trump will not rest until all our captive citizens are back home. This release today is a significant step by the administration in Kabul to effect that goal.”
The US has no direct diplomatic presence in Afghanistan since closing its embassy after the Taliban takeover in August 2022. As a result, Washington has relied heavily on Qatar,one of its closest regional partners,for both mediation and representation in dealings with Kabul. Amiry is the latest American to regain freedom through this security and diplomatic partnership.
The exact reasons for Amiry’s detention remain unclear. US officials have not disclosed why he was in Afghanistan or the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The Taliban, however, framed his release as a demonstration of goodwill. Hamdullah Fitrat, a deputy spokesman, said US envoy Adam Boehler met with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who stated that the decision reflected the government’s view that issues involving foreign nationals should be resolved through diplomacy rather than politics.
Qatar also hailed the outcome. Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi said his country “remains committed to advancing mediation efforts aimed at achieving peaceful solutions to conflicts and complex international issues.”
While Amiry’s return marks progress, several challenges remain. At least three more Americans are still being held in Afghanistan. Additionally, Paul Overby, an American missing in the country, is believed to be deceased, according to sources familiar with the situation. Officials hope that Amiry’s case could pave the way for further releases, though they stressed the Taliban did not receive any direct concessions in exchange for freeing him.
Families of other detainees cautiously welcomed the news. Ahmad Habibi, brother of American citizen Mahmood Habibi, who has been in Taliban custody since August 2022, voiced both relief and frustration. “We are grateful to hear that another American has been freed from unjust Taliban captivity. All Americans should be happy for that. But my brother has been held since August 10, 2022, without acknowledgment or the ability to speak with his wife,” he said. Ahmad added that his family has been repeatedly assured by US officials that any agreement with the Taliban would be “all or nothing,” ensuring no citizen would be left behind.
The Biden administration, he claimed, failed to secure progress during its term, but his family now places trust in President Trump to deliver results.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Amiry’s release offers a glimmer of hope for families still waiting for loved ones, while also underscoring the crucial role Qatar plays as a mediator between Washington and Kabul.
